Redknapp was born in Barton on Sea, Hampshire and started his career at Tottenham Hotspur as a youth player but turned down their offer of a contract to play for Bournemouth under his father, manager Harry Redknapp. He went on to play for Liverpool where Redknapp will be remembered for his best performances. After that Redknapp returned and played two and a half seasons for Tottenham Hotspur then finally joined Southampton, where he played under his father for a second time. Redknapp was also capped 17 times by England, scoring one goal.